Dealing With Hair Thinning at the Crown of the Head? What Causes It in Women Over 50 and How to Reverse It

The most common hair loss in women over 50 is female pattern hair loss, or androgenic alopecia — which primarily shows up as thinning hair at the crown. So odds are many of us may experience this type of confidence-zapping disorder. Luckily, there’s hope when it comes to battling this thinning. “This type of hair loss in women is treatable,” says Michelle Green, MD , a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. “But it can be permanent if you do not seek treatment.” Scroll on for the best ways to halt thinning at the crown.

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How to tell if you’re dealing with thinning at the crown

The first thing those of us with this condition might notice is a widening part, but other hallmarks include a loss in hair density and overall thinning, with the largest patches of thinning hair at the crown. “Some describe the thinning pattern as an upside-down Christmas Tree, where the part widens,” says Dr. Green. “However, unlike men who have androgenic alopecia, androgenic alopecia in women typically does not present with a receding hairline.”

Another thing to note is that androgenic alopecia is gradual and does not happen overnight. So as soon as you notice more hair than usual falling out, it might be time to consult an expert like a dermatologist or trichologist.

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What causes thinning at the crown?

You might be wondering why thinning at the crown happens in the first place. The answer: This genetic disorder is believed to be caused by hormones called androgens, which regulate the hair growth cycle. “In androgenic alopecia, androgens overstimulate hair follicles, which may lead to a shorter growth period and result in shorter and thinner hair,” explains Dr. Green. “After hair is shed, new growth is also delayed — and ultimately, these two changes lead to hair thinning or loss.”

How to treat thinning at the crown

When combating this type of hair loss in women it’s key to start treatment as soon as possible. “The best solution to prevent thinning is by consulting with an expert early,” says Dr. Green. “It is so much easier to keep hair than regrow it.” When it comes to working up a regimen to deal with hair thinning at the crown, the first thing a professional will ask is if you have a family history of hair loss. That’s because of the 30 million plus women currently affected by androgenic alopecia in America, most who experience it often have family members, male or female, who also struggle with hair loss.

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After the initial consultation a doctor may advise a combination of treatments to treat androgenic alopecia. These may include oral medications or topical solutions as well as Platelet Rich Plasma to improve thinning. “When thinning is severe, some patients turn to hair transplant surgery,” Dr. Green adds. “However, this treatment is often a last-resort option.” Keep scrolling for more info on the treatments that work best for thinning hair at the crown:

Topical treatments

Topical minoxidil (commonly known as Rogaine) is an FDA-approved over-the-counter treatment that restores inactive hair follicles. It can be used as a solution or foam that is applied to the scalp and works by shortening the resting phase of hair and encouraging the growing stage.

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Oral medications

Meds like oral minoxidil are prescribed to strengthen hair follicles and promote hair growth and retention. Another prescription option is Propecia (or finasteride), an FDA-approved oral medication that inhibits the synthesis of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair follicle miniaturization. Or oral spironolactone may be prescribed, which slows the production of androgens, promoting hair retention and growth.

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Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

For this treatment a blood sample is taken from the patient, and the PRP is then injected into the patient's scalp to thicken hair, reduce shedding and increase hair growth. “Platelet Rich Plasma is rich in growth factors and proteins that promote tissue regeneration and hair follicle health,” says Dr. Green. Patients typically undergo an initial series of four monthly treatments, which can cost from $500 to $2,000 or more per injection, followed by regular maintenance sessions. Since PRP is collected from the patient's own blood, the procedure has minimal side effects.

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Hair transplant surgery

This is a surgery where a surgeon moves hair follicles, or grafts, from one part of your scalp to fill in another area where hair is thinning. Prices can start at $4,000 and soar to over $25,000 depending on how many grafts are moved.

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